Elsie Ong

Girlguiding Scotland

Key Issues

• Equalities
• Justice
• Rights

Candidate Presentation

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Candidate Profile

Why do you want to be an MSYP?

I want to be your MSYP because I believe every young person deserves to be heard, included and taken seriously, and I’m passionate about Article 12 of the UNCRC: the right to have our views heard and taken into account in decisions that affect us. Having recently completed my term as a Girlguiding Scotland ‘Speak Out’ Champion, I want to continue championing girls’ voices. I’ll draw on my experience as a Speak Out Champion, Ranger, Young Leader, Peer Educator, and Young Advisor to the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland to advocate for YOU! I’m passionate about ensuring that where you live, your circumstances or background don’t limit your opportunities to be heard or included. Being your MSYP would allow me to listen to you, understand issues that matter to you, and bring your experiences and ideas to decision-makers. I’ll listen, represent and ensure your voices influence decisions in Scotland.

What are the issues that matter most to you?

Children’s rights and youth voice.
Helping young people understand their rights and creating meaningful opportunities for them to have their say and share their views with decision-makers.

Misogyny, sexism and violence against girls and women.
Raising awareness, challenging sexism and supporting work to create safer spaces where girls can live, learn and speak freely.

Hate crime, prejudice and inclusion.
Helping young people recognise hate and prejudice, know where to get help, and supporting work to build communities where everyone feels safe and included.

How will you consult with the young people in your area or organisation to ensure that they are represented well and their voices are heard?

Listening to you, Girlguiding Scotland’s young members, would be central to my role as an MSYP. I would make time to hear from a wide and diverse range of voices, including young people from different backgrounds, communities, and circumstances, so that I’m not just hearing from those who are easiest to reach.

I’d engage with members through Instagram takeovers, by visiting units across Scotland, and also attending events. I’m friendly and always happy to chat and hear your thoughts and opinions. I would then collate and share what I have heard with the Scottish Youth Parliament and decision-makers.

Most importantly, I would remember that I am there to represent Girlguiding Scotland’s young members, not to decide what matters to them. Your experiences, priorities and ideas would shape and guide my work as your MSYP.

Why should someone vote for you?

You should vote for me if you want an MSYP who will listen to you, take your views seriously and make sure they are heard.

I’m passionate about young people knowing their rights and feeling confident using their voices. I want to help make sure that your background, circumstances or where you live don’t limit your opportunities to be included or heard.

My three priorities are Know Your Rights, Safe to Be You and No Place for Hate. I want to raise awareness of children’s rights and human rights, challenge misogyny and sexism, support work to create safer spaces for girls and women, and add your voice to campaigns to reduce hate crime and prejudice in Scotland.

But these three priorities are only a starting point. I can’t decide what matters to you. That’s why I would listen to you, Girlguiding Scotland’s young members, and make sure your experiences, ideas and priorities shape my work as an MSYP.

I will listen, represent, and speak up for all young people.

Your voice matters. Let me help make sure Scotland’s decision-makers hear it.